Magical Realism in the United Kingdom

Magical Realism's presence in popular modern literature is strongly dominated by English-language works from the United Kingdom. While these authors are fueled largely by concepts pioneered in South American and Russian literature, they become popular household names in the consciousness of much of the western world. The common use of Magical Realism continues in the novels' carefully innocuous discussions of the balance and use of power, social isolation, and hope in renewal.

It is easiest to begin with Neil Gaiman. While he appreciates darker humor and uses satire copiously, his works are written without pretense and tend to follow the traditions of comedy. Heroes may suffer and wander at length, but they return home. There are clear antagonists and the heroes experience generally positive character development.

One of Gaiman’s most famous novels, Good Omens, is a joint project with the recently deceased Terry Pratchett. Pratchett's whimsical and softer influence makes it an appropriate introductory work, but Gaiman’s voice remains clear. Good Omens is a satire on the apocalypse foretold by Judeo-Christian literature, and absolutely nothing is sacred. The novel discusses free will, the difference between morality and kindness, mercy and anger, the influences of habit over intrinsic nature, and the utter messiness of being human. A charming cast of ridiculous people, some incidentally demons and angels, weave a tale just long enough for a satisfying afternoon.

American Gods, another of Gaiman’s popular novels, is a grimmer progress of endings. Gods, brought to the new world by their immigrating believers, are quickly starved from their power through neglect. Shadow, the protagonist, and his erstwhile employer Wednesday seek to raise their waning strength for a last battle against the gods of the new age. This book contains themes of the morality of power and sacrifice, the impermanence of mortality, acts of desperation and greed, and belief.

For those who enjoy the worldbuilding of American Gods, Anansi Boys is a spiritual successor. For those who enjoy the more unsettling aspects of American Gods, The Sandman chronicles are waiting to steal several weeks of their free time.

For those who found Neil Gaiman too light-hearted after the last post's recommendation of Mikhail Bulgakov, China Mieville is perfect. The closest he comes to comedy is Kraken, the journey of a missing embalmed giant squid and its prophet. It is relentlessly absurd, deadpan, and brutal towards its characters. It is a delight and a tragedy. For those who enjoyed Kraken, and indeed did not weep, the Bas Lag series is a vast, sprawling epic of a dystopian police state set to boil under pressure. Approach with caution and tissues.  

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Link List:

Neil Gaiman:

Good Omens

American Gods

Anansi Boys

Sandman, Volume 1

Terry Pratchett:

Men at Arms

The Color of Magic

China Mieville:

Kraken

Perdido Street Station

The Scar

Iron Council

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Resources:

Nothing but years of experience, love, and obsession. 
Please comment if any links are broken!